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Abstract

Although many measures have been taken by the majority of Arab countries to enhance women’s representation in decision-making positions, women’s participation in public life and positions of power have not been achieved the desired level. The Arab region ranks the lowest in the world in terms of women’s participation in parliaments. The objective of this paper is to examine the Political participation of women in the Arab countries and identify different challenges that impede Arab women participation in politics and decision making. Challenges include: cultural factors, the stereotyped image of women, women's low self-confidence, lack of coordination among women's organizations, effectiveness/efficiency of women empowerment programs, shortcomings in the institutional and legal frameworks, practices of political parties and election process, skepticism about the Agenda for Women empowerment, the process of development of Women empowerment strategies. Thus, challenges facing women in politics are immense. They require the consolidation of all efforts with great belief in women’s capabilities as human beings who are able to lead and shoulder the responsibility in the building of their nations.

Note on the Author

Professor Rowaida Al Maaitah, President of the Hashemite University; Hadeel Al Maaitah, a lecturer of management at the Hashemite University; Professor Hmoud Olaimat, Dean of social work institute at Jordan University and Muntaha Gharaeibeh, Dean of Nursing at Jordan University of science and technology.